Tougher sentences for grooming and online offences

Sex offenders will have no protection if they sleep with a child over the age of 13 and claimed they consented, according to new sentencing guidelines.

They see the removal of "ostensible consent" - the idea a child over the age of 13 can agree to sex - while greater emphasis will be placed on grooming by individuals and gangs.

According to the new guidelines:

• A new term has been spawned to take the effect of technology into account. An aggravating factor is "recording the crime", as filming and photographing victims has become more common.
• Offending committed remotely, such as via a webcam, is also included.

• Judges will also have to take into account aspects such as offenders lying about their age, grooming via social media or asking children to share indecent photos of themselves.